Christine L. Gannon is the Professional Development Manager at Planned Parenthood
Southeastern Pennsylvania (www.ppsp.org).
She teaches children and trains adults in sexuality education. Her specific interests
are in professional training, working with the deaf community and teaching about HIV/AIDS. She is your
guide to this section about your child's sexuality.

Your Child's Sexuality

As soon as your child is born, she begins learning about sexuality. This is a very important
topic for her to learn about. But, it can be a difficult topic to talk about. This section will
help you learn to talk to your child about sexuality.

What does 'Sexuality' mean?The word 'sexuality' means more than sex. Sexuality can mean how:

Your body grows and changes over the years

You feel about your body

You have relationships with other people

You talk and listen to other people

Women change when they are pregnant

Women have babies

Men and women are alike and different

Where does my child learn about sexuality?Your child can learn about sexuality from many different places. She can learn
about sexuality from:

Television and radio

Friends

Teachers and other adults

Parents and family members

School

Church or other religious places

Why should I teach my child about sexuality?Learning about sexuality is very important. This is because:

Sexuality is an important part of your child.

Your child is valuable. She has the right to protect her body from:

Sexual abuse

Emotional abuse

Diseases

Pregnancy

It helps your child feel good about herself.

You can give your child clear information about sexuality.

It will help your child make better decisions in the future.

You are raising your child to be a healthy and independent adult.

Read these sections to find out more about talking to your child about sexuality: